hi all! chag sameach and happy easter :) im in san jose after going to the seder - the same one we went to last year. it was a really nice seder in the most gorgeous synagogue ever. it always impresses me how open and welcoming everyone is.
anyway, semana santa, or holy week, is a week long holiday here. kids are off school all week (which isnt really a big surprise since they never have school), lots of people travel to visit family and sleep out in tents, and there are lots of special foods like tamales mudos, empanadas de chiverre, tilapia and lots of bread. i know, it's interesting trying to keep passover... the whole country starts shutting down by thursday and it's a really nice holiday where you spend time with family and friends. we go to the river since its so so hot right now and take some road trips if theres a car around.
since it's been a while, im gonna try to put some other updates here. hmmm. our soccor tournament ended this past weekend with a great dance and award ceremony thing. even though my town didnt win, we had a really great time with the tournament and at the dance last weekend. im actually taking a dance class in my town with this guy who comes in once a week. we are 6 or 7 pairs and have been learning cumbia, salsa, swing, merengue, bachatta, bolero... its real real fun. ill learn and then come back and teach you all :)
as far as projects, we got this great grant from kids to kids (http://kidstokids.org/) to go an art class in my town. arte por la paz, or art for peace, will try to discuss communication and how to resolve conflicts through art projects. it's going to be a real cool program that we're going to do with the kids from kinder and the school. on monday we go pick up the money, buy a whoooole lot of art supplies, and get started. im also working with the 5th and 6th grade girls in a group called chicas poderosas. we meet each week and talk about anything from communication, how to work in groups, leadership, ya know. the girls are having a great time and im really enjoying it too. the medical center, roads, playground, etc are all going well. we're just waiting which im getting good at here.
also, since in may i complete my first year of service here, im going tooooo... move out on my own! my counterpart association has this falling apart house that we're going to fix up and in about 1 month, i'll be on my own. it was super great living with my host family but im ready to be an adult again and also only have to eat when im actually hungry. this also means that you are all MORE than welcome to come visit and crash with me! it'll be soo fun :)
oook. well i hope everyone has a good semana santa, passover, week. ill try to post some pictures next time i get on here so look out for them. i miss you all and have been thinking of you all. be good and stay in touch.
